What Does it Feel Like To Travel Alone?

Freedom

Traveling with companions often involves compromises and sacrifices to reach a mutually approved itinerary. In some instances, disagreements over the travel plan can even lead to the trip being cancelled.

This isn't the case with solo travel. When you're alone, the journey is all about fulfilling your own desires. If you want to relax for an hour atop Angkor Wat or explore offbeat paths, you can. As a solo traveler, you're the protagonist of your own adventure.

Meeting New People

Traveling alone increases your chances of meeting new people. In Cambodia, I conversed with locals, including a waitress at a restaurant in the night market.

We exchanged life experiences, and I also connected with an experienced solo traveler who shared his travel tales from Southeast Asia. As a solo traveler, these small, personalized connections add a unique flavor to your journey, something group travel may not offer.

As a solo traveler, you seek small connections such as these to keep you company, and these small connections are what make the experience so unique. You will not get such a personalized small connection if you come in groups.

Living in the moment

During my visit to a remote temple called Banteay Srei in Cambodia, I relished the quiet early morning without the bustle of tourists. The serene sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind were a rare treat. In the absence of distractions, I became more aware of my surroundings and the purpose of my visit. It was mindfulness at its best.

Best environment to get creative with your life

Back in Bangkok now, I feel more motivated than ever. Solo travel not only offered me solitude but also exposed me to new ideas and allowed my mind to draw connections between the differing landscapes of my home country and Cambodia. This amalgamation of experiences only comes when you're in unfamiliar places, left alone with your thoughts.

You will become a better version of yourself

Once you manage to embark on a solo journey, overcoming fears and challenges, you inevitably evolve into a better version of yourself. You'll become more decisive, self-reliant, and open to trusting strangers. You'll learn to enjoy your own company, remain connected even in solitude, and appreciate the small things in life. Above all, you'll realize that the fear and risks that previously held you back were unfounded. You'll experience true freedom.

Everyone should travel alone at least once

After my solo trip to Cambodia, I can confidently say that everyone should try traveling alone at least once in their lifetime. It requires 90% courage and 10% money. The experiences gained from solo travel far outweigh the monetary costs. The next time you're about to splurge on clothes or gadgets, ask yourself this: "Would I rather invest in items I'll discard in a few years or in an experience that will last a lifetime?"

Tip: To ease into the process of solo travel, start with a trip somewhere nearby, where you can communicate in your own language. This reduces the intimidation factor and simplifies planning.

Further Reading for Inspiration

Looking for more articles to inspire your wanderlust? Here is a collection of articles you might enjoy:

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• Here's why I always celebrate turning a year older with a hike: Climbing Kilimanjaro On My 33rd Birthday.
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• If you are looking for travel vloggers to follow on YouTube that aren't cringeworthy, check out: 10 Best Travel Vloggers to Follow On YouTube.
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• Looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit this year? Check out: 8 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Destination to Visit.
• Can't travel internationally for the time being? How about traveling in your own country? Here are the 7 Reasons Why You Should Travel in Your Own Country.
• To find the most inspirational travel quotes and captions to go with your photos on your Instagram, check out 34 Short and Unique Traveller Quotes for Instagram.
• We often hear bad stories about locals from travelers, but what about the other way around? Here are some of the Notorious Stories Of Terrible Backpackers.
• If you lost your bag while you were traveling, here is how to deal with the situation: My Bag Was Stolen In Germany.
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• People often preach about how important it is to live in the moment, but sometimes, that may not be such a good idea. Here is The Problem With Living In The Moment.
• Want to embark on your first solo trip but not sure where to go? As a long-time solo traveler, here are my favorite places based on real experiences: 10 Incredible Travel Destinations for Solo Travelers.
• Solo traveling is not for everyone, and even though I love it to death, it is not always flowers and sunshine for solo travelers. Here are the 10 Things I Hate Most When Traveling Solo.
• Travel friends come and go, but that may not be such a bad thing. Here is why you should embrace your travel friends: A Life Of Brief Encounters.
• Hiking is life. Here's why: One Year Of Incredible Discomfort - 10 Things I've Learned From Climbing Mountains.
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• Is life getting you down? Here's why you can't always blame life for everything: Life Doesn't Suck. We Just Suck At Living It.
• Want to know why I chose to travel alone? Read this: We Travel Alone, NOT To Be Alone.
• For a meaningful solo trip, you need to share it with someone. Here is why Happiness Is Only Real When Shared.
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• Want to travel alone but scared that you might get bored out of your mind? Here is How To Enjoy Yourself And Have Fun While Traveling Alone.
• Here is a simple story on how I started traveling: F*ck It, I'll Do This Alone.
• For more inspiring articles like this, visit my Inspiration page.